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In what police describe as a tragic accident, the 3-year-old son of a San Jose police officer was shot and killed Wednesday evening at his home in Gilroy. (Published Friday, Jul 6, 2012)

Updated at 12:49 PM PDT on Friday, Jul 6, 2012

In what police describe as a tragic accident, the 3-year-old son of a San Jose police officer was shot and killed Thursday evening at his home in Gilroy.

The boy - identified as Preston Orlando by the Santa Clara County Coroner on Friday - was at home on Kentwood Court in Gilroy before 5 p.m. with his family. His father is Brandon Orlando, a 9-year-veteran of the force, according to San Jose police Sgt. Jason Dwyer, who referred all other questions to the Gilroy police department.

But Gilroy officers were not releasing much information either.

"Unfortunately, emergency personnel were unable to save the boy and he was pronounced deceased while enroute to a local hospital," Gilroy Police Sgt. Chad Gallacinao said.

He added that the investigation will focus on how the gun was stored inside the house.

On Friday, Gallacinao would not say whether the handgun used was Orlando's service weapon or not. Gallacinao also would not say if Preston shot himself, but he added that "it does not appear" that the boy's other playmates were involved. Reports are that he was playing with three others.

Many neighbors contacted by NBC Bay Area either didn't want to speak; one woman burst into tears when asked to talk about the situation.

But neighbor Tonya Felice said she had taken some criminal justice classes with Orlando, and called him a "great family man."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Gilroy police department at (408) 846-0350. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous should call 1-800-782-7463.